Tesla(US:TSLA) TechCrunch·2025-10-09 12:15Core Points - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated an investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology due to reports of vehicles running red lights and entering wrong lanes [1][2] - This investigation follows over 50 reports of violations, including four incidents that resulted in injuries, marking one of the first targeted probes into Tesla's FSD software [2] - The NHTSA had previously investigated Tesla's FSD in October 2024 after crashes in low-visibility conditions, and closed a separate investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system in April 2024, which identified 13 fatal crashes [3] Investigation Details - The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received at least 18 complaints and one media report alleging that Tesla's FSD software failed to stop at red lights [5] - ODI has identified six reports from Tesla under the Standing General Order for Crash Reporting, which requires companies to report crashes involving autonomous vehicles [5] - The investigation was opened concurrently with the release of a new version of Tesla's FSD software, which incorporates training data from a limited robotaxi pilot in Austin, Texas [4] Specific Incidents - ODI has noted multiple incidents at the same intersection in Joppa, Maryland, where red light issues were reported, and Tesla has taken action to address these problems [6] - Additional complaints include instances where FSD entered opposing lanes or crossed double-yellow markings, and attempted to turn onto roads against traffic signs [7] - Reports indicate that FSD executed lane changes into opposing lanes with little notice to drivers, raising safety concerns [9] Investigation Process - The NHTSA has opened a "Preliminary Evaluation," a step that could lead to a recall if necessary, with a typical investigation timeline of eight months [10] - There are concerns that a federal government shutdown may impact the investigation timeline [10]